Data Privacy Tools You Must Have In 2019

No matter whether you’re a student, an
employer, a freelance worker or simply someone who enjoys surfing the web at
home, you cannot ignore data privacy. Once upon a time, thieves needed to
commit a physical crime in order to steal your valuables but now they can do so
at arm’s length via the internet.

Data Theft: What Are the Risks?

You may think that there’s little or nothing
of value on your computer. However, if you ever shop online, check your bank
balance, pay a utility bill or participate in online gaming, you are just as
much at risk from cybersecurity threats as any multi-million-pound business.

Virtual Private Networks

Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, are an
invaluable resource for anyone accessing the internet via unsecured public
connections. Although public wifi connections have their uses, they also carry
inherent risks. After all, clicking on any web link makes your data visible to
any other internet user who cares to look.

In effect, VPNs act as camouflage. Not only do
they encrypt your data, making it much harder for anyone to work out what it
really says, but they also disguise both where it comes from and your intended
destination. They do this by acting as a third party that connects to the
internet for you.

The technologies of the various VPN providers
differ, as do national legal and policy frameworks, meaning that you may need
to undertake a little research to find the best solution for you. That said,
this does not necessarily mean paying for the service as there are plenty of reliable
free VPNs.

Removal of Spyware and Other Threats

It’s all too easy to download malware of all
kinds without realising you’ve done so. Some people fall victim after clicking
on a link in an email while others might download an app containing rather more
than is advertised. However it gets there, once it’s on your device, spyware
will steal your data and monitor your keystrokes with the aim of discovering
your passwords or other sensitive information.

Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are,
hackers and fraudsters are almost always one step ahead with new ideas for
getting spyware onto your devices. This is where spyware removal tools come
into play. The best anti-malware software lets you decide
whether to scan your entire system or just pick sections, including:

Password Managers

The days of using the same password across
multiple platforms are long gone if they ever truly existed at all. So, too,
are the days of recording various passwords in the notes’ section of your
smartphone. Both approaches are too risky to countenance.

Password managers are the sensible
alternative, creating, storing and auto-filling passwords for you. Moreover,
the passwords that they generate are “strong” ones, which avoid any
hint of your daughter’s birthday, your first pet’s name or simple numerical
sequences.

A number of providers compete for business.
Some have been through their own security scares, having become the victims of
hackers themselves. Luckily, these experiences have informed current market
offerings and end-to-end encryption is a common feature, meaning that even the
password provider itself cannot see your passwords.

Privacy-Centred Web Browsers

Most web browsers automatically store and
collect all of your browsing data. Privacy-centred browsers do not do this, and
they may also block trackers and automatically upgrade to HTTPS to ensure your communications
are secure and encrypted.

In addition to installing a privacy-centered
browser, you may also want to manage your browser’s privacy settings. This
might include turning off third-party cookies.

An Encrypted Domain Name System

A domain name system, or DNS, is responsible
for turning domain names into IP addresses. This is essential to enable a
router to get you to your intended internet destination.

Most internet users stick with the DNS
provided by their Internet Service Provider, or ISP. They may not think twice
about doing this but, given the tendency of ISPs to track online visits and
sell pertinent information to advertisers, this may be a mistake.

Using an encrypted DNS can stop someone spying
on you and also reduce your exposure to unwanted advertising.

Encrypted Hard Drives

In additions to installing software to encrypt
your internet traffic, it is sensible not to forget what might happen if
someone physically got hold of your laptop or another device. Encrypting your
hard drive means that a thief or other unauthorised user could not access or
copy your data without the relevant password.